UN: Indications of war crimes in Libya

Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says there are indications of war crimes being committed in Libya.


The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said that there were indications of war crimes being committed in Libya, warning that the strife-torn country was "on the wrong path".

Fatou Bensouda told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that the violence in Libya had worsened over the past six months with the country now split between two governments and two parliaments vying for control.

"There are, indeed, indications that crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court are being committed," Bensouda told the council.

The chief prosecutor also expressed his concern over an ongoing spate of assassinations in Benghazi, Libya's second city, threats to journalists, human rights activists and women in particular as well as to prosecutors, judges and lawyers.

"These troubling developments are clear signs that Libya is descending on the wrong path on its transition to what was hoped would be a peaceful country that respects and pays homage to the rule of law, justice and accountability," she said.

Fighting between rival militias has flared since the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Fighters seized the capital city of Tripoli in August, forcing the internationally-recognised government and parliament to move to the east of the country.

Despite the growing concern over alleged mass crimes, Bensouda said that her office had been forced to scale down investigations in Libya due to lack of resources.